It was a perfect early spring day on the East Coast. I sat down to chat with my friend Summer Rayne Oakes. The snow was finally melting. The sun was shining. You even hear the birds starting to sing in the background. After a long winter, it felt like the world was waking up again. It was the perfect time to talk about green living. We also discussed sustainability and the power of nature.
I hit “record” for The Green Living Guy Podcast, and we jumped right in.
🎧 Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts
A Warm, Lighthearted Start
We kicked things off with a laugh. I joked about not wanting to go too hard on everyone that day—after all, it was too nice outside. I was just happy to see the sun again. “It’s green out there,” I said. “Finally!”
And Summer felt the same. She greeted me with that easygoing vibe she’s known for, saying she was enjoying the same sunny weather. It was the simple, genuine moment that sets the tone for a great conversation.
Introducing Summer Rayne Oakes
For those who don’t know, Summer Rayne Oakes is widely recognized as the first “eco-model.” Of course, we both laughed about the label on air. “Whatever that means, right?” she said. It’s one of those funny, media-friendly titles that doesn’t capture the depth of what she really does.
Summer isn’t just a model—she’s an environmental scientist, author, educator, and entrepreneur. She’s dedicated her career to merging fashion, sustainability, and environmental awareness in ways that are both creative and practical.
When she started modeling, she used it as a platform to talk about sustainability issues in the fashion industry. It wasn’t just about pretty pictures; it was about telling a story that needed to be told.
The New Green Revolution
During our chat, we talked about how green living has gone mainstream over the past few years. There’s a new green revolution happening, with more people realizing that sustainability is about daily choices and systemic change alike.
Summer has seen that shift firsthand. She has worked on a variety of projects. These range from sustainable textiles to urban agriculture. She is always looking for ways to make green living accessible and appealing.
We touched on her role on the board of Planet Green. This was the Discovery Channel’s website and TV show that focused on environmental stories. Back then, I even wrote for their website. It felt like a reunion of sorts. We swapped notes on how far the movement has come.
🌱 Check out Planet Green (archived content)
Making Green Living Approachable
What I’ve always appreciated about Summer is how real she is. She doesn’t preach or talk down to people. Instead, she invites you in. She knows sustainability can feel overwhelming, so she focuses on practical, inspiring solutions.
In the interview, she shared how small changes can have big impacts. These range from the clothes you buy to the food you grow. Even if you don’t have a farm, you can grow herbs in your window. You can choose organic fabrics. You can support local businesses.
A Passion for Plants and Urban Agriculture
One of the most interesting parts of our talk was about her deep love of plants. Summer is famous for transforming her Brooklyn apartment into a living greenhouse. Hundreds of plants climb walls and fill every sunny spot.
She uses her space for personal enjoyment. She also teaches others about plant care, sustainability, and urban agriculture. Through her project Homestead Brooklyn, she creates videos and resources to help city dwellers reconnect with nature.
It’s a reminder that green living isn’t limited to rural areas. Even in the heart of the city, you can foster a connection with nature. You can also improve your air quality while you’re at it.
Why These Conversations Matter
Talking with Summer reminded me that sustainability isn’t just about big policy changes or massive corporate shifts. Those are essential, but so are the choices we make every day.
It’s about building habits, making conscious decisions, and encouraging others to do the same. It’s about finding joy in the natural world and respecting it enough to change how we live.
When we share stories like Summer’s, we show that green living can be personal, creative, and empowering. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making better choices one step at a time.
Listen to the Full Conversation
If you want to hear the whole chat, it includes more laughs, personal stories, and practical green living tips. Check out the episode on The Green Living Guy Podcast.
✅ Listen now on Apple Podcasts
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